Karnataka HC orders removal of encroachments around archeological site in Nagamangala
Bengaluru(PTI): Taking serious exception to the inaction of the authorities, the High Court of Karnataka directed the Deputy Commissioner of Mandya to follow up on the notices issued to unauthorized and illegal constructions around the Saumyakeshava temple in Nagamangala and remove them as per law.
A division bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit on Saturday ordered the Deputy Commissioner, Mandya to issue a public show-cause notice in Kannada and English newspapers within two weeks.
Thereafter, the removal of illegal encroachment should be undertaken within four weeks, the bench said.
A total of 1,566 constructions were found to have come up around this archeological site. The authorities will now have to determine which of these are illegal.
A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in 2015 by BV Lokesh and Vasanth Kumar, residents of Nagamangala, alleging that in contravention to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, a Jama Masjid was built within 120 metres from the temple.
The temple built in the 12th century by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The PIL pointed out that as per the Act, no construction can be carried out 200 metres from a protected archeological monument.
The DC of Mandya appeared before the Court on Saturday after the HC ordered his presence during an earlier hearing on October 9 this year.
On February 26, 2020, the HC had issued directions to the DC to assist the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a survey of the alleged encroachments and file an affidavit on the action taken on the 52 notices already issued. The DC was directed to file the affidavit before March 31, 2020.
In October 2023, the HC noted that "unfortunately, even after a span of three years, there is no progress in the matter, except a submission that there is correspondence between the authorities. It seems that the authorities are only happy to ride paper horses without there being actual progress in the matter."
The construction was carried out despite the notices issued by the ASI, the PIL said.
"The construction is totally illegal as there is no plan approval, no grant of licenses from any authority. The illegal construction exceeds the height of the ancient monument. The construction of the said building at a height of more than the existing ancient monument will dwarf the same and will reduce its importance and grandeur. This construction is aimed to hurt the sentiments of the devotees," it claimed.
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Bengaluru records coldest December night in eight years at 13.30C, says IMD
Bengaluru: Bengaluru experienced its coldest December night in eight years, with the minimum temperature dropping to 13.3 degrees Celsius on December 13, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
According to the report published by The New Indian Express on Tuesday, IMD data shows that this is the lowest minimum temperature recorded in the city since 2016. The all-time lowest December temperature in Bengaluru was 8.9 degrees Celsius on December 29, 1883. In recent years, the city recorded 12 degrees Celsius in December 2016 and 12.8 degrees Celsius in December 2011.
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IMD officials reportedly said, day temperatures in Bengaluru and other parts of south-interior Karnataka will dip further in the coming days. They also forecast light drizzle in some parts of the region over the next few days.
“There will be a slight rise in night time temperatures from Monday, December 15, 2025, because of the prevailing south easterly winds. These winds will lead to the formation of a thin cloud cover and layer of water vapour over the atmosphere. The moisture level in the atmosphere will increase, leading to a dip in the day temperatures and a slight rise in the night temperatures from the prevailing 14 degrees Celsius,” TNIE quoted IMD senior scientist CS Patil as saying.
However, once these winds weaken, northerly and north-easterly winds are expected to return, which could lead to another drop in night temperatures. Officials allegedly said that Karnataka may see a longer and drier winter spell this year compared to previous seasons.
